Climate-Fueled Infernos in the Mediterranean

A report shows that climate change increased the intensity of wildfires in the Mediterranean this summer, how do we stop the spread?

Early and intense wildfire season has arrived around the Mediterranean. Image Credit: Le Monde, July 17th 2025

With autumn becoming winter, most people in the UK are craving warmer days, but our neighbours in the Mediterranean would likely disagree. Across the region, fire seasons are growing longer and wildfires are becoming more destructive. In August 2025, World Weather Attribution (WWA) released a rapid analysis showing that the weather conditions fueling the catastrophic wildfires in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus this summer were around  22 percent more intense  due to human-driven climate change. 

The Forces Behind the Flames

The three main factors driving this rise in intensity are wind, heat, and rainfall, all of which are being reshaped by a warming world.

Wind is usually thought of as cooling, but in the Mediterranean it spreads heat and carries flames into new areas. Fires need oxygen to burn, so strong winds allow a fire to grow stronger and can turn a spark into an inferno. Seasonal winds like the Etesian winds in Greece and Turkey can act as natural “fire accelerators.” The study by the WWA suggests that climate change has altered wind patterns, making fires stronger and less predictable, increasing the likelihood of them spreading.

Rising global temperatures due to human activities lead to hotter summers and increase the frequency and duration of heatwaves. Warmer weather also strips the moisture from vegetation, making forests and grasslands more likely to set alight. 

Rainfall and water availability shape the wildfires in the Mediterranean. Climate change is disrupting these rainfall patterns, a study by MIT discovered that winter rainfall in parts of the Mediterranean could decline by up to 40% under warming. Climate change also causes greater variability in rainfall: some regions get less water overall, and droughts become more frequent or severe. Less moisture makes fires easier to ignite and allows them to burn faster.

Prolonged Drought and Record Temperatures Have Critical Impact in the Mediterranean. Image Credit: European Commission, Joint Research Centre

Mediterranean fauna is adapted to withstand some damage, typical habitats include drought-resistant species like olive trees, rosemary, and thyme. Seasonal wildfires are part of a natural cycle that can destroy dense shrublands and grasslands which support diverse wildlife, food sources and safe refuges. 

However, frequent wildfires can disrupt these habitats. Drought-resistant species may become dominant, pushing out other plants and causing them to die out. Burned areas may also be colonised by fast-growing, non-native plants, which outcompete native species and reduce habitat quality. Over time, biodiversity decreases and some species may vanish locally.

A Conservation Lifeline

As wildfires grow more intense, restoring damaged ecosystems and combating climate change is now more important than ever. Conservationists across the Mediterranean are using a mix of natural recovery and community action to help these landscapes.

Healthy soil is the foundation of any ecosystem, it supports plant growth and provides essential nutrients. Techniques such as soil stabilisation and erosion control keeps soil in place and protects seeds and root systems, reducing nutrient loss. This ensures that plants can absorb the essential nutrients they need to survive in a harsh climate. 

In Mediterranean environments, using biocrust-forming mosses has proven particularly effective for post-fire soil recovery. These living crusts bind the soil together, slowing erosion and protecting soil surfaces.

Assisted natural regeneration allows nature to restore itself by providing protection. Restricting access to certain areas makes it easier to manage affected zones. Conservationists may fence off burned areas to prevent grazing, limit human disturbance, and allow natural sprouting and seed banks to rebuild vegetation. Removing invasive species that crowd out native plants can also give native flora a better chance to recover, rebuilding diverse habitats.

The people living in fire-prone regions are vital to long-term resilience. Community-based stewardship involves engaging local communities in restoration efforts from creating gaps in vegetation, low-fuel zones, or planting fire-resistant species to slow the spread of future fires. Supporting wildlife by installing nest boxes, water points, or temporary feeding stations can also increase the survival of displaced animals. 

Once the landscape begins to recover, species can be reintroduced, which in turn aids plant recovery by returning nutrients to the soil. Educating local communities on sustainable land use such as reducing grazing, rotating crops, reduced tillage, and implementing fire-smart agriculture ensures long-term ecosystem health.

Across the Mediterranean, organisations such as WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), BirdLife International and local NGOs are leading efforts to restore burned forests and reconnect habitat corridors to support wildlife movement. Individuals can play their part too, you can support these initiatives through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the importance of climate action and habitat restoration.

The Future of Megafires in the Mediterranean

Addressing the growing threat of wildfires in the Mediterranean requires both global and local action. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and empowering communities to restore and manage landscapes are all essential steps. By combining science-based conservation strategies with active community engagement, we can help ecosystems recover, safeguard biodiversity, and build resilience against the intensifying impacts of climate change. Every action, from policy changes to individual support, contributes to a healthier, more resilient future for people and nature alike.

About the author:

Sasha has just moved to a new city for her job and has a love for the outdoors, movies, and spending time with friends and family.